How to Install Laminate Flooring Like a Pro

Thinking about giving your home a fresh look without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place.

Learning how to install laminate flooring is one of the most rewarding projects a DIYer can tackle. It’s budget-friendly, looks fantastic, and thanks to modern “click-lock” technology, it’s much easier than it sounds.

Whether you’re staring at old carpet or a bare subfloor, this guide breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps.

It covers everything from the tools you’ll need to those tricky corners, ensuring your new floor stays level and beautiful for years.

Why Laminate Flooring is a Popular DIY Choice

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product fused together through a lamination process.

It typically features a moisture-resistant layer, a resin-infused fiberboard, a high-resolution photographic image of wood or stone, and a clear, hard wear layer on top.

This construction makes laminate highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.

One of the main reasons homeowners love laminate is its easy installation system, which doesn’t require nails, staples, or glue. Instead, the planks simply click and lock into place, making it a perfect DIY project.

By choosing this route, you can save between $2 to $8 per square foot in labor costs. Plus, there’s a unique sense of pride in walking across a floor you installed yourself.

What to Look for When Choosing Laminate Flooring

Choosing the right laminate flooring involves considering factors like durability, style, and color to ensure it fits your space and lifestyle.

Pay attention to the AC (Abrasion Class) Rating: AC3 is ideal for residential use and heavy traffic, while AC4 is durable enough for commercial spaces or busy homes with large pets.
Thickness: Look for planks between 8mm and 12mm. Thicker planks feel more like real wood underfoot and provide better sound dampening
Style and color selection: Light-colored laminate (such as white oak or light maple) can make a small room feel airy and spacious, whereas Darker tones (like walnut or espresso) add warmth and a sense of luxury but can show dust more easily.
Always grab a few sample planks and lay them in your room to see how they look under both natural and artificial light.

Quick Tool and Material Checklist

Before you make the first cut, ensure your “tool kit” is ready. Having the right gear prevents mid-project hardware store runs.

Category	Items Needed
Must-Have Tools	Laminate flooring planks, underlayment with vapor barrier or combined underlayment/vapor barrier, rubber mallet, tapping block, pull bar, spacers, and painter’s tape
Power Tools	Chop saw / circular saw/ jigsaw, table saw for ripping (optional)
Safety Gear	Knee pads (essential!), safety goggles, dust mask for sawing
Measuring and Marking Tools	Tape measure, pencil, and straight edge

Pre-Installation Tips

Before installation, follow these key steps for a smooth setup:

Clean the Area: Remove any debris, as even small chunks can cause issues.
Check the Surface: Look for dips, and if needed, use a self-leveling compound over concrete or a thick underlayment for wood.
Acclimate the Boards: Allow the boards to settle in the room for 2-3 days before installation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Laminate Flooring

Follow these steps to install laminate flooring right the first time.

Step 1: Install the Underlayment

A person kneeling and unrolling underlayment on the floor in preparation for laminate flooring installation, with a blue wall in the background.

For concrete or high-moisture areas, it’s essential to use a moisture barrier and cushioning underlayment to protect the flooring. In plywood areas on upper floors, an underlayment is optional but can provide extra cushioning.

When installing, make sure to overlap the edges of the boards and use adhesive tabs or tape to secure the seams for a tight fit.

Step 2: Plan the First Row

a person is aligning and locking laminate planks together with their hands, ensuring a secure fit along the edge of the wall.

When laying the boards, start by placing them along the room’s longest dimension to create a visually appealing flow.

Ensure the groove faces you during installation for easier locking of the planks. For the first piece, trim off the tongue on the wall side to create a proper fit.

Finally, always leave expansion gaps around the perimeter, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for the required gap size to accommodate changes in humidity and temperature.

Step 3: Cutting and Installing the First Row

A person using a chop saw to cut laminate planks for installation, with tools on a tool belt and a work area with a floor partially prepared

Use the right tools, such as a chop saw, circular saw, or jigsaw, to ensure precise cuts during installation.

Measure carefully by measuring from the last plank to the wall and subtracting the expansion gap to get an accurate fit.

Keep the first rows tight by using spacers and a pull bar for final adjustments, ensuring the rows remain even and properly aligned throughout the installation process.

Step 4: Stagger Seams

person is measuring the space to plan the first row of laminate flooring installation

To ensure a sturdy and visually appealing installation, avoid short pieces by making sure no piece is shorter than 8 inches, as shorter pieces can compromise both stability and appearance.

End seams 12 inches apart to avoid aligning seams, which helps achieve a more natural, seamless look.

Use leftover pieces by starting new rows with any remaining planks, while still following the minimum length rule to keep the layout consistent and professional.

Step 5: Lock Boards Together and Ensure Quality Check

person is locking two laminate planks together, ensuring they fit tightly with the tongue and groove system.

For locking methods, slide and snap the long edge of the boards together, or angle the board in and then tap the end joint to secure it. Use a pull bar to gently tap and tighten the last seam, ensuring a tight fit.

Always check seams to ensure they are tight and flush for a smooth, even surface. If you come across damaged boards, replace them immediately instead of leaving chipped boards in place, as they can affect the overall finish and durability of the floor.

Step 6: Rip the Last Row

measure from the wall to the last plank and subtract the expansion gap.

Measure carefully by measuring from the wall to the last installed tongue, then subtract the expansion gap. Always measure from the finished edge of the board, not the tongue, to ensure accurate cuts.

When setting up the table saw, position the fence slightly wider than the final dimension (about 1/8 inch) to account for the tongue riding against the fence, which reduces the cut width.

For alternative saws, use a circular saw or jigsaw for field cuts, while a table saw is ideal for straight ripped pieces to achieve precise results.

Step 7: Doorways and Transitions

person is measuring and adjusting the laminate planks for proper alignment.

Measure the final piece by calculating the distance from the last installed plank to the door jamb to ensure a perfect fit.

Leave an expansion gap by always leaving the recommended gap between the flooring and the door frame, allowing room for expansion and contraction.

Cut carefully by using a tape measure to mark the precise cut line, ensuring the last piece fits snugly under the door jamb for a clean, seamless finish.

Step 8: Bullnose Installation

applying construction adhesive to install a transition piece.

Use construction adhesive for bullnose trim, which is typically made of PVC and should be glued, not nailed. Opt for a high-quality construction adhesive, such as Loctite Power Grab, for a strong bond.

When applying the adhesive, stay about 3/8 inch back from the edge to avoid squeeze-out when you seat the molding, ensuring a clean, precise installation.

Step 9: Finish Work

image shows someone applying green tape to hold laminate pieces in place

Tape while curing by pressing the bullnose trim in place and taping it down until the adhesive fully cures, ensuring a secure bond. Once the adhesive is set, install baseboard and shoe molding to cover the expansion gap, giving the floor a polished look.

Finally, for trim work and door jambs, trim the jambs after the flooring is installed to avoid gaps and ensure a tight, finished appearance.

You can check out the full video below:

Maintaining Your Laminate Flooring

To keep your floors looking brand new:

Dry Mop Regularly: Dust and grit can act like sandpaper on the finish, so make sure to dry mop your floor often to keep it clean.
Avoid Wet Mopping: Never use a dripping wet mop. Excessive water can seep into the seams and cause the fiberboard core to swell. Use a damp microfiber mop with a dedicated laminate cleaner.
Place Furniture Pads: Put felt pads under the legs of all chairs, tables, and furniture to prevent scratches and dents.
Wipe Spills Immediately: Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid staining or damaging the floor. Use a soft cloth or microfiber towel.
Use Rugs and Mats in High-Traffic Areas: Area rugs or mats can help protect your floor from heavy foot traffic, dirt, and wear in high-traffic spots like entryways and hallways.
Trim Pet Nails Regularly: If you have pets, trim their nails regularly to prevent scratches on the laminate surface.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from harsh cleaners, wax, or polish. These can damage the surface and make the floor slippery. Stick to cleaners made specifically for laminate flooring.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the steps on how to install laminate flooring, it’s time to step back and admire your handiwork.

Transforming a room with your own two hands isn’t just about saving cash; it’s about the satisfaction of a job well done.

Remember, the secret to a floor that lasts is all in the prep work and that essential expansion gap. Once those last transition strips are clicked into place, you’ll have a durable, stylish space ready for years of foot traffic.

With a little effort and the right materials, you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new floor in no time.